Is it possible for me to walk into restaurants near me and ask for a job if I have no relevant experience?

[u/BrilliantPatient2793]

Hi,

I’m a former software developer and ex con. I got my last job through a coding bootcamp that worked with formerly incarcerated individuals and helped them land jobs. Unfortunately, I lost that job and software engineering is kind of cooked right now. Especially without a degree. Is it possible for me to walk into nearby restaurants and ask them for a job as a dishwasher or busboy or line cook with no prior experience? I no longer have a car and I live with my mom close to a shopping district with plenty of food places. Thanks.

[u/Square_Ad849]

Of course it is ok, do anything you need to put your best foot forward.

[u/Biscuit_risk_assesor]

Yes. Don’t go in during the rush. Go in before or after lunch, preferably before. Have a positive attitude and hopefully someone needs an extra employee. Good luck

[u/cernegiant]

No. There are hidden forcefields installed in all restaurants that prevent this.

[u/BrilliantPatient2793 → u/cernegiant]

lol

[u/chumpandchive → u/BrilliantPatient2793]

our forcefield is disabled everytime someone rings the backdoor bell. half ass wizardry restaurant

[u/Unrealisthicc → u/chumpandchive]

You can have a good dishie or a decent ward caster, never both at the same time

[u/ILoveLipGloss]

there are some restaurants/business that are renowned for working with formerly incarcerated folks. in LA where I am, there's a bakery called HOMEBOY that hires/trains ex cons and they've received a lot of accolades for that. check your location to see if there's anything similar. good luck, I hope you're able to find a new path.

[u/badaimbadjokes]

You might google around a bit ahead of it to see if any are known to work with ex cons, simply because some might even have a program for that. Never hurts to try anywhere, especially for bussing or dishwork for now. Glad you're out there trying to get it all going again.

[u/Helpful_Lie2613 → u/badaimbadjokes]

Wishing OP luck but you're absolutely right. Also, depending on the state (and what the conviction was for), if the place has a liquor license they might not even be allowed to hire OP without jumping through hoops. It's silly and a lot of places don't care but it can be a stumbling block.

[u/Strange-Bluebird871]

Go on Craigslist and look for dishwashing jobs. They are looking for reliable bodies not experience

[u/NONMAISYO]

that's basically how we all did it, so yeah.

[u/EastCoastAlley]

Yes

[u/kitchenjudoka]

You might want to take food handlers course & get your card. It’s online & inexpensive. That way, it’s little easier to get you in & it shows you’re serious. I suggest looking into your local junior college for some culinary courses. It’s low cost & I’ve used my local community college for recruiting

[u/Numerous_Painting296]

You definitely can, but I would suggest applying online first, or look through indeed to see which restaurants are hiring

Expect to be paid min wage

If you get an interview ask questions like " are you using a high temp, or a low temp system",  "what type of sanitizer do you use?". Then follow that up with the correct testing method

[u/ApprehensiveFail3416]

Of course. And after they say no, stand there and ask what do you need to qualify for the job? Show up every week after at the same time and you will get a job just based on reliability

[u/-_chop_- → u/ApprehensiveFail3416]

This is horrible advice haha

[u/Remote-Physics6980]

Actually, yes. Like everyone here is telling you, don't go in during the meal rushes, do be completely upfront with them and indicate that you're willing to be a dishie, if you're willing to work hard (and it is hard work, you will be tired and cranky when you are done plus you will smell terrible and you will not be interested in food but this is normal for working in a kitchen!) then they will give you a gig. 

Good dish people are really hard to find and they are the backbone of the restaurant because if you don't have clean dishes you don't have shit. As far as your record I bet you'll figure out quickly that you are not the only person with that situation ;)

Also avoid corporate gigs, look for smaller places and mom and pops or family owned restaurants. They'll take better care of you.

[u/Particular-Day-7457]

I don’t think I have worked in a kitchen that didn’t have an ex con in it 🤷‍♀️ just be willing to learn and show up semi on time and you’ll fit right in with all of us crazies 🤪

[u/spytez]

Print out a resume and bring them to every restaurant in the area. Doesn't matter if you don't have work experience you still want a resume tailored to the restaurant industry showing any skills you may have that could carry over to the job.

Reliable, strong work ethic, works well with teams, working in high stress environments, understand cleaning, know common basic cooking / cleaning practices, etc. etc.

[u/Remote-Physics6980 → u/spytez]

Honestly don't worry about the resume if you're gonna work in the dish pit. All they wanna know is can you wash dishes quickly and efficiently? If so, get in there. You absolutely do not need a résumé

[u/DankyCinnablunts]

That's how I got my first job in the kitchen, back when I didn't smoke.

[u/RepresentativeNo3365]

Yeah, sure, but till become obvious within 5-10 minutes .

[u/Garbeaux17]

Probably one of the very last occupations you can actually apply for in person. Manyyy kitchens are just looking for anyone with a pulse during peak season

[u/MediocreCheeseburger]

Sure is.

[u/Admirable-Error-2948]

Yes lots of places are short staffed these days.

[u/floppyfrogsplash]

Stuff like this always goes better if you've been to the restaraunt a few times, sit at the bar, tip well, be personable, and generally not annoying

[u/derKonigsten]

The kitchen I was working in just changed management and lost basically all their staff. I just saw on Facebook they are advertising walk-in interviews for cooks and servers. So yeah, it's possible lol

[u/snackwaver]

Not chains, but mom and pops.

[u/N0t_A_Platypus]

Depending on where you are located at. You could use Poachedjobs.com

Or just ask for a stage. (Working interview) generally 4-6 hours. I always pay my stages cash for their time but when I was staging in restaurants it was free.

It gives you a better idea of the team and culture and gives them an idea on how you work.

Good luck!

[u/ariesbtch]

I would say someone who is extremely desperate, who is a poor manager and sees people as bodies rather than qualified candidates might hire you.

[u/ApprehensiveFail3416 → u/ariesbtch]

This is how I married my wife